Review of UCA Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice begins
This major review - the first in 16 years - provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Uniting Church
September 17, 2025
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Assembly is pleased to announce that a comprehensive review of the Uniting Church in Australia’s Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice is now underway – the first major review since 2009.
Rev Jenny Byrnes has been appointed as Consultant to lead the review. With 42 years of vocational experience in the Uniting Church, her theological depth, leadership experience and practical insight will be invaluable throughout the process.
In this role, Jenny reports to the Assembly’s General Secretary, Andrew Johnson, and is supported by a Reference Group comprising representatives from each Synod and the Standards for Ministries Committee.
“By drawing on diverse voices from across the Church, the Reference Group will help to ensure that the review is both theologically grounded and practically relevant,” Jenny said.
“They will play a crucial advisory role providing theological reflection on the Code’s function within Church life, offering feedback on how it is currently applied, and assessing how it responds to evolving legal, ethical and social expectations.”
Jenny commenced her work with the Assembly earlier this month and has already begun developing an initial survey. The aim is to distribute the ready survey to the Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) of every Presbytery by the end of October.
“The survey will be open for between six to eight months to ensure PRCs have sufficient time to provide details on where they see gaps in the current Code of Ethics, where there are difficulties and where it needs strengthening,” Jenny added.
“This process is a vital opportunity to strengthen the ethical foundations and ministry practices that support the life of the Church.”
While the release date for a revised Code has not yet been finalised, the Assembly anticipates it will be published in the second half of 2026. Further updates will be shared as the review progresses.
Rev Jenny Byrnes
More news from the Assembly
Church responds to Bondi attack
Church responds to Bondi attack As the Uniting Church, we express our grief and call for solidarity and peaceThe Uniting Church in Australia expresses its deep sorrow following the attack at Bondi Beach, which NSW Police have identified as a terrorist act. The violence occurred while families and children were gathered to celebrate the start…
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President Rev Suli
Bondi tragedy: Pastoral message from President President Rev Charissa Suli offers this pastoral mesage and prayer following the tragic events at Bondi Beach written by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia This morning, we wake with heavy hearts following the tragic events at Bondi. As the Uniting Church in Australia,…
Walking the Path of Peace
Walking the Path of Peace When Emelia Haskey walks into the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok next month, she will carry with her the prayers, hopes and convictions of her Uniting Church community. Emelia has been selected to take part in the Fifth Global Peace Summit, an international gathering of around 400…
President's Christmas Message 2025
This Christmas season, President Rev Charissa Suli offers two messages for our community – because the incarnation meets us wherever we are. A Christmas Message of Light and Action In her main Christmas message, President Rev Charissa reminds us of the profound mystery at the heart of our faith: God chose to draw near, entering…
President's reflection: Threads of love across our outback
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Griffith and Across the Outback Rev Charissa Suli recently travelled to the NSW Riverina town of Griffith to see first-hand the launch of a new pilot progam for Frontier Services by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia In late November I travelled to NSW…
WCC Beijing 30+ Consultation held in Indonesia
WCC Beijing 30+ Consultation held in Indonesia The World Council of Churches’ Beijing 30+ Consultation marked 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action The World Council of Churches (WCC) concluded its Beijing 30+ Consultation on Sunday after three days of intensive dialogue, theological reflection and advocacy on gender justice. Held in Jakarta,…
Expressions of Interest: AFARC Committee Member
Expressions of Interest: Assembly Finance, Audit and Risk CommitteeExpression of Interest – Committee MemberAssembly Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (AFARC)Uniting Church in Australia (National Assembly)Initial three-year term AFARC is seeking an experienced governance professional to join the Committee for an initial three-year term. AFARC provides independent oversight of finance, audit and risk for the National…
Update from the Theology, Formation & Leadership Commission
Commission meets in person for first time It was yet another milestone moment for the Commission for Theology, Formation & Leadership written by Rev Dr Cathie Lambert, Chair for the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership On 10–11 November the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership met for the first time in person in…